Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Easiest Places in the World to Retire

When it comes to an overseas adventure, the romance is built-in. The idea that you could escape your world and embrace a new one. Make a life filled with the things you love, enjoyed in a place you choose. What freedom!

Yet the “what-ifs” can be paralyzing. What if I’m single? What if I can’t speak Spanish? What if I don’t meet other people with my interests?

Spend too much time worrying and fretting, and you’ll never head for better shores.

The reality is: A move abroad need not be overwhelming. Not when you ease into a smooth and comfortable transition.

And you can when you choose a place that’s welcoming and arrive with the right contacts…

Do that, and you’ll discover the romantic promise of a better life overseas isn’t just a fantasy. It's real.

And it can be your reality -- sooner than you think -- when you land in one of the 16 communities in Latin America, Asia, and Europe profiled in a new report called, The Easiest Places in the World to Retire.

And now you can get it free! Just click here for all, the details

You'll find inside a hand picked selection of places where you don't need to have a built-in adventure gene to make a comfortable go of it. Islands. Colonial Towns. Beach communities. Cities.

Your ideal destination might not look like anyone else's. But in The Easiest Places in the World to Retire, there's something for every taste.


Here's what one ex-pat says,


Friends Always Visit...
"I was worried when I moved from the U.S. that I wouldn't see my old friends again -- forget that. Now my biggest fear is that my visiting friends will never leave!" -- Teresa Lemon at home in one of the World's Easiest Places to Retire"

Maybe a low, low cost-of-living is your number one concern… or maybe it’s warm weather… or an English-speaking population… or accessibility to great cultural offerings. Maybe it's other expats you'll have something in common with... or the speed of your internet connection... or your proximity to a Costco... or the access to good health care.

Just know: Whatever your dream and whatever you're worries you always have very attractive options. They're all catalogued -- the best of them -- the places where you'll fit in most quickly and comfortably -- in The Easiest Places in the World to Retire.


The Easiest Places in the World to Retire is Yours Today – No Charge, No Risk



The Easiest Places in the World to Retire is yours. All you need to do is take a risk-free look at  International Living Magazine. It's as easy as that!


Monday, December 13, 2010

Sheer Makeup for a Natural Christmas

Woo hoo! I’ve figured out what I’m getting my wife for Christmas – Sheer Minerals Makeup. Now that may not seem like a big deal or anything special to you but it was quite the revelation to me.Let me share with you what I mean.


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Collapse Movie

Wow! I've got to see this one. This is not conspiracy theory - it's reality and if people don't wake up and start learning we are doomed for certain. Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. How many times do we have to go through crisis before we wake up and start doing things differently?


Monday, November 29, 2010

Coffee Growing Around Boquete Region In Panama

Guest Post By Tyler Ramos


Boquete, Panama is nestled into the slopes of the Baru Volcano and it is famous for producing some of the most delicious and rich coffees throughout the country and indeed throughout Central America. The coffee that is grown and harvested here has begun to garner attention from the international coffee loving community for its rich blends and luxurious aroma.

In the past the coffee grown in the country was over shadowed by coffee growing neighbors Colombia and Coast Rica. But in the past few years the Boquete region has shone brightly and won many international awards that has propelled it to the forefront of coffee production in the world. If you are a coffee lover, then you should make time in your Panamanian holiday to visit the region and see how the coffee is grown, harvested and processed.

The climate in the region is excellent for growing coffee, with just the right measure of sun, shade and humidity. The soil is volcanic and highly fertile, which helps to produce a particularly rich flavored coffee bean.

For visitors who are interested in experiencing some of the world's best coffee as fresh as possible, there are coffee tours that you can do to sample the local brews at the site where they are grown, harvested and roasted. The tours also teach you about the history of coffee growing in the region and you can see coffee mills that are more than a century old.

On the tours of the plantations you will learn all about different aspects of growing and harvesting the coffee as well as historical information specific to the region, organic growing practices, fair trade and secrets to brewing the best possible cup of coffee at home.

There are two different processing methods that are utilized in Boquete. The first is wet processing, which is done immediately after the coffee cherries have been picked by local workers from the trees. The cherries are washed in a machine, then pulped and then finally dried. When the cherry has been dried out, the bean is extracted - interestingly, only 20 per cent of what is pulled from the trees is coffee bean.

There is also dry processing, which is a more labor intensive process and tends to be more expensive as well to produce the coffee. In Boquete, this process is done by placing the beans on platforms in the sun to be dried out and the beans have to be turned every six hours so that they dry out evenly and retain the full flavor of the beans.

When the processing is done, then the beans are chosen according to their size and quality. They are grouped together and then undergo a process known as cupping, where they are stored for up to six months and continually judged for readiness. When they are ready, the coffee beans are packaged and 90 per cent is now exported out of Panama to the waiting lips of coffee lovers worldwide.




About the Author:


Activities To Look For In Panama

Guest Post By Tyler Ramos


Located between North America and South America, there is a place called Coronado, Panama. Whether you're looking for a perfect vacation spot or the dream retirement village, this is the place you should be looking at. Following are some of the major attractions of the region and why it's so popular.

For one, it's only an hour away from Panama City. So for travelers flying in to the area, they do not have a long drive to their final destination after their flight lands. There is no public transportation to Coronado itself so you will need to plan ahead for a ride to your hotel or resort.

Once there, you will be very busy looking at the wonderful scenery around you. The ocean is so blue and beautiful and the beaches are full of spectacular white sand. There are plenty of shopping outlets and many fun activities like golf and kite surfing. When you're playing and having fun, it doesn't hurt to have some amazing views right there in front of you at the same time.

Something new to Coronado is the New International School. This is a school that specializes in the education of the local language and culture. By keeping the history of the region alive, they are able to teach newcomers and students alike about where they came from, and what traditions they can carry on. Part of a network of schools, they have several all over the globe and have recently opened up this new addition in the area.

If you're looking for the perfect place to retire, consider purchasing some land in the region. Centrally located between North America and South America, the travel options abound with travel in all directions very easy and convenient. If you prefer to stay home and enjoy where you live, then you could not choose a prettier place to do so.

Tourists and vacationers are well taken care of as well, being pampered and spoiled at the local resorts. These resorts offer things that children and adults will love alike, and give both groups a time to remember for the rest of their lives. Find out ahead of time which activities interest your children the most and work out an itinerary everyone will enjoy.

By looking into an area beforehand, you will be able to plan your trip before you leave on vacation. Doing this allows you to match your interests and that of your family against what is available, making it easier to get your itinerary in order right from the start. Another great source of information is that of family and friends who have visited before. Most likely, they will be happy to share their experiences, as well as what activities or sights they enjoyed the most.

Next time you want to travel, check out Coronado, Panama. You are sure to get your money's worth in the vistas alone, besides all the wonderful hotels and resorts nearby. Travel agents will be able to help you plan your vacation, along with necessary transportation, and can sometimes offer you discounts not available otherwise.




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Top Retirement Places For 2011 - On Retirement (usnews.com)

US News and World Report recently published it's ranked list of the Best Places to Retire for 2011.

Here's a peak at there picks -

Nicaragua - they're hot on Leon and San Juan del Sur. Of course Nicaragua is beautiful and it's also one of the Cheapest Places to Live. They also have a pretty good retiree & foreign residency program which I believe was modelled after Panama.

Ecuador - much like Nicaragua this small country has set it's sights on attracting retirees. With a love climate and a cost of living that US News calls, "the cheapest place in the world where you'd want to live" Ecuador is certainly a retirement place to consider.

Editors note: You may not find very many pleasant places to retire in the U.S. on a low budget but step outside American borders and the world is your oyster! Click on the image below to learn how you can retire on as little as $694 a month!




Panama - no longer considered 'the cheapest place to retire' Panama still continues to be rated as a very reasonable cost of living, especially for retirees on the famous 'Pensionado' Visa program. The one thing that puts Panama far and above our retirement hot spots is their infrastructure. It's the best you'll find in all of Central America and even revivals many large cities in the U.S. U.S. News points out that there are still many parts of Panama that offer bargains in real estate and cost of living. It's just the areas like Panama City, the Azuero Peninsula and Boquete which have developed world wide recognition and increase prices as a result. Not those those areas don't still offer some bargain too!

Source - The World’s Best Places to Retire For 2011

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Panamas New Cinta Costera Coastal Beltway

Guest post By Tyler Ramos

Beautiful Panama, located at the southern most tip of Central America, has become a highly popular destination due to its economic stability and steady growth. The economic upswing has made available the necessary funding to improve the infrastructure of Panama City. This is needed to alleviate the congestion that plagues the city's Avenida Balboa.

The Cinta Costera Coastal Beltway is a project that was designed to alleviate traffic congestion in Panama Bay by bypassing the city. At present, the Avenida Balboa is used daily by over 72,000 vehicles, causing major delays. In addition to the new Coastal Beltway the city will also have a car park area built to reduce parking congestion that covers twenty five hectares of land.

Due for completion in the month of April 2009, the cost of the Cinta Costera project is estimated at a total of $189 million. The contract work is shared between two companies, the first is the Constructora Norberto Oldebrecht. They will work jointly with another construction company, called the Constructora Urbana SA. The latter will ensure the proper maintenance to the entire project for five years after construction is completed.

Boris Aguilar and Alberto Arosemena are the two architects who work for Alliance Pro City, the company responsible for the design of this extensive infrastructure improvement project. Dredgers had to be used to pump sand directly from the submerged seabed and to use it to at the landfill site. Roughly thirty hectares of land will be reclaimed in the area known as Panama Bay to make the completion of the project possible.

A four lane highway will be built that extends to 2.6 kilometres in length, with each lane measuring 3.5 metres wide. The end product will be a stretch of road measuring 7 kilometres in length with three interchanges at regular intervals along the route to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Two elevated viaducts, a bike path, pedestrian access and a breakwater will be part of the structure.

The twenty five hectare car park that is being built will also house an ampitheatre. Due to the new construction, the Avenida Balboa will be adjacent to the new Coastal Belt roadway, running parallel to it, eventually feeding into it. The existing six lanes will become ten lanes to further help with traffic congestion. Six of the lanes will run from Punta Paitilla to San Felipe, with four lanes going the other way.

The current bridge that runs from the Avenida Balboa to the Avenida third de Noviembre will be altered to include an entrance and exit to the new Coastal Beltway. Another access point will be made further along in the direction of the city and closer to Casco Viejo. Another exchange will be created at the bridge near the Matasnillo River via the Israel route.

There will be multiple improvements made to the overall infrastructure while the new highway project is under construction. Along with the building of the Cinta Costera, the sewerage systems and the drainage systems will be upgraded in the entire Panama Bay area. The clean up and improvement project will make a vast overall difference to the area.

About the Author:

Friday, October 29, 2010

National Parks In Panama Have Immense Variety

Guest post By Tyler Ramos

Tourists are often drawn to Panamabecause it offers travelers variety and adventure. Panama is surrounded by rainforests. Its forests boast thousands of plant and bird species, and an array of other animals. There are also numerous national parks in Panama.

The first national park to have boundaries in two countries is the Amistad, which is situated in Panama but also in Costa Rica. A tourist visiting Amistad can easily find accommodation and modes of travel, among other services. They are also invited to fish in a local river called Teribe.

The Bastimentos is a collection of islands that constitute a marine park. It is unique in that protection is provided not only to the wildlife and beaches but also to the coral reef found off its coast, deep beneath blue waters.

The Baru Volcano is contained within the Baru preservation. The volcano is visited by numerous tourists who drive to its top with the hopes of seeing wildlife along the way. The volcano also boasts scenic views.

The Barro Colorado Monument is a smaller park and is made up of a mix of peninsulas and an island. Travelers can enjoy a guided day tour which culminates with a viewing of the Giant Tree.

Campana is known for its exciting wild animals, such as monkeys, pigs and a mix of birds. It is also home to a variety of reptiles including the Golden Frog. This frog, which is endangered, is considered a local treasure.

The Canas Wildlife Refuge has many differing turtle species. These turtles are known to entertain tourists when they come out at night. The refuge is also known for its hiking and water sports.

The main water supply for the Panama Canal is from the rivers of the Chagres National Park. The Chagres permits rafting in at least some of its rivers and has lakes where visitors engage in all kinds of water sports. It is also enjoyed by campers and bird watchers.

Coiba is further from bigger towns than other parks, and as a result has fewer accommodations. Despite this it still witnesses a fair share of yearly travelers who seek out its beaches, where reportedly turtles make their nests. In addition, in its ocean waters swim Marlins.

Darien is not only home to rainforest animals but also to indigenous tribes. Travelers can explore the jungles where it is not uncommon to meet indigenous people. Some visitors have even watched tribal dancing.

Iguana is known for the vast size of its iguana population. However, that is not all. There are other animals that live in Iguana, such as turtles. It is also famous as one of the places migrating whales stop at.

This has been a taste of what Panama offers in terms of national parks. They are all filled with an assortment of flora and fauna, and each with its own special offerings. Just to further illustrate the extent of diversity awaiting a potential visitor, there is even a park found just minutes from the downtown area of the capital city


About the Author:
When searching for a home in Panama, you might want to take a peak at panama condos. We have a great list of real estate in Panama that you will be happy with.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

It's a cheap place to live!

The South Yorkshire Star says South Yorkshire is one of the cheapest places to buy a house in the UK. That's based on a study which was done by Zooplola property specialists.

The study found that average houses prices in the region are 137,413 pound. This average equates to just a 10.6 % increase over the past three years. Not too bad when compared to London, the most expensive place to live in the UK, where average house prices top 400,000 pound.


Source: It's a cheap place to live - The Star

Monday, October 25, 2010

Hong Kong one of the world's best places to live?

The Lifestyle Group head of Asian travel, Lucy Jackson, reported this weekend about why she thinks Hong Kong is one of the best places to live.



Lucy says that comparatively living in Hong Kong one has to get used to the tight and small living quarters and she certainly wouldn't put Hong Kong on our list of Cheapest Places to Live. So, what are the pluses? Well according to Luck the weather is constantly changing but but usually nice and warm. There are tons of things to do from a recreational stand point and the work-hard' 'play hard' society means there is never a dull moment.


Source - Hong Kong one of the world's best places to live?

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Panama Bay Clean Up Focus On Now And The Future

Guest post By Tyler Ramos

With a large growth in population Panama has fallen behind in the proper disposal of sewage from their residents. Because of this, the sewage was routed into rivers that carried it to the Panama Bay. With the raw sewage going to the bay the smell and contamination of the bay has set forth, over the past decade, a massive clean up of the bay and creating a better system of waste processing.

Panama is the southernmost county located in Central America. It is famous for having the Panama Canal, which is a key shipping canal used to travel from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean. The country has seen its way through various military regimes, United States involvement in government, and have now settled into a government that is presently ran by President Ricardo Martinelli. The population has grown at a fast rate from 1.1 million people in 1960 to almost 3.4 million people in 2008.

With no sewage treatment plant for the country and the large growth in population it was difficult for the country to maintain waste disposal. Cities dumped their sewage into rivers that dumped into the bay, contaminating both the rivers and the bay. Because of this contamination the waterways were filled with bacteria and had a horrible smell.

CAF, Latin America's development bank, helps fund the Panama City and Bay of Panama Cleanup Project to begin correcting this health and environment problem. This project has been funded for more than $1 billion in the past five years, with $540 million of that coming this year. The scope of the project is to clean the areas, develop, and place a plant for waste water treatment.

The country's Ministry of Health is overseeing the construction of the sanitary sewers, drain network and water treatment plant. The drain network will service the cities with approximately 135 kilometers of pipe. For the sewer system there will be a 3 meter in diameter and 8.2 kilometer long interceptor tunnel.




With such a large project Herrenknecht in Schwanau, Germany was contacted to build a large tunnel boring machine. The machine is 3.6 meters in diameter and 124 meters long, and was shipped to the country in August. The machine is nicknamed after President Martinelli's mother, Gloria, and is painted in the Panamanian flag colors.

Because of the contamination, the rivers and bay have a bad smell and bacteria in them. No fishing or water recreation takes place because of this contamination. There are fish in the waterways but they are contaminated themselves. Prior to being contaminated, the rivers and bay would be a place for people to go swimming but that no longer takes place.

Once the project is completed the natural clean up of the environment fixing itself may take another 10 or 15 years. The biggest concern for those living in Panama now is to get a solid infrastructure built to stop the environmental and health impact going on at this time. Many people hope that, once the project is completed, and in place that, they will be able to enjoy their waterways by swimming or fishing in them.

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Thursday, October 14, 2010

Cheapest place to buy a house in the UK

South Yorkshire in the UK is one of the cheapest places to buy a house according to Zoopla and as published on thestar.co.uk

Houses in the region are pretty cheap at 137,413 pound while North Lincolnshire homes are priced at 124,921, Hartlepool 124,949 and Durham 123,257 making for cheap properties all round.

Of course London continues to be the most expensive place to live and buy property with average house prices at 413,350 pound. Windsor is next in line where cheap houses simply can't be found. There the average price is 409.939.

If you're look for the best place to invest in real estate the UK may not be it. It seems their troubles continue much the same as the U.S. and there's little hope in sight right now.


Cheapest place to buy a house

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Found In Panama

Guest post By Tyler Ramos

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Created by the United Nations in 1945, it is tasked to perform a number of important functions. One of these is to identify UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and to publicize and otherwise support these sites. We are going to be looking at some of the five identified Sites located in Panama.

UNESCO selects locations to be designated as World Heritage Sites based on either their cultural or natural significance, or both. Panama has a total of 5 recognized sites. It has been blessed with not only natural points of interest, but with cultural and historical ones as well.

Besides designating the sites, UNESCO supports them in several ways. The designation itself has great publicity value as the selection process is recognized as having integrity. Worldwide there are only 890 designated sites, so making the list has some significance. UNESCO also provides funds for conservation as appropriate.

The initial Panamanian World Heritage Site was Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo, which received recognition in 1980. Portobelo and San Lorenzo were both forts established by the Spanish to strengthen their defenses. During this period, the 17th and 18th centuries, there were a number of attacks and counterattacks.

Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama was added to the list in 1997. It includes the site of Panama Viejo, the first European settlement on the Pacific Ocean. It was established in 1519 and abandoned after it was destroyed by the privateer Henry Morgan in 1671. Some call him a pirate, he seemed to favor attacking this area, perhaps because of the wealth present.

Darien National Park was added to the list in 1981. It is the largest national park in the country and one of the most important in Central America. It includes an incredible variety of habitats. It is large enough to provide a viable protected habitat for a number of endangered species. Two Indian tribes still live in the Park.

After this, the city was rebuilt in a safer location, where it remains today. The Historic District of Panama, also known as Casco Viejo de Panama, is where the city was rebuilt. It is central to the much larger city that it has become.

Panama has the Canal and that is what most people associate with it. The fact that it has these five World Heritage Sites shows the error in this. This small country has plenty of things to see. Tourism is a major factor in the economy. It sounds like an exciting place to tour.

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Monday, October 11, 2010

Retirees Find Altos Del Maria Panama Desirable And Budget Friendly

By Tyler Ramos

Scattered in the hills and valleys of Altos del Maria in Panama are home sites and homes for sale offering dream views of rushing waterfalls, lakes and oceans, and volcanic mountains in the distance. Much like Boquete Panama, you can hike along trails and take photos of sloths and monkeys and wonderful birds in the trees. You might even see a yellow frog.

Spread out on more than seven-thousand acres, the developers at Altos del Maria have thought of everything. The gated community offers security and urban services such as Internet and phone services, including cell phones, television via satellite, plus a heliport, golf courses, swimming pools. The developers have paved miles of road and made sure there is plenty of electricity and water. The roads facilitate the hour and half drive to and from Panama City. Closer by are tropical beaches when you want a change from the mountains, and the townships of Sora and Bejuco.

Most people think of the canal or a hat when they hear Panama. Panamanian locals have several versions of where the word Panama originated. Some say indigenous peoples named the land after a common tree. Others say the word means either many butterflies or many fish. All versions seem appropriate. The fact that the country holds vast expanses of unspoiled nature feels like a secret someone has been keeping.




A long and profitable relationship building the Panama Canal with the US has resulted in many Panamanians speaking English in addition to Spanish, their national language. Panamanians have a reputation of being friendly. US dollars exchange at a rate of one-to-one, and are acceptable, legal tinder in Panama. Reports indicate that the dollar goes further for retirees in Panama. A monthly income of twelve-hundred US dollars buys one a very nice lifestyle there.

Panama City has all the perks expected from a big city: good medical services, good restaurants, lots of things to see and do. The Panamanian economy remains stable in large part because of the Panama Canal. The US and Panama continue work together on a canal project referred to as the Third Set of Locks, to allow more ships through and maintain economic stability.

Worth mentioning is the pensionado program Panama offers retirees, which provides discounts on travel, entertainment, housing costs, and prescription medications. A pensionado application and visa are required for this program for non-citizens. However, it is possible to buy, build, and live in Panama without signing up for the pensionado program.

A map of Panama shows it to be a long, thin stretch of land. Panama City and Altos del Maria are found on the east and west sides, respectively, of the same narrow neck of land. Altos del Maria is at a much higher elevation, starting at 1,476 feet above sea level. The highest sites are at 3,608 feet. The high altitude keeps the temperatures at 75 degrees F year-round. Its possible to see the Pacific and Caribbean from some of the sites.

Whether you dream of building your own home or prefer to find a bungalow ready to move into, the developers at Altos del Maria can accommodate you. Big lot, small lot, high elevation or low, it is your choice.

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Boquete Needs To Be Your Next Vacation Destination

By Tyler Ramos

In the Chiriqui Province in Panama, South America, the small town of Boquete Panama has been capturing the hearts of a great many tourists. Many parts of this town are causing a stir among people from all over the world. If you are ready to have an experience in a land that is beautiful and enchanting, you need to start making your travel plans.

One of the things that this town is famous for is the coffee growing. People travel to here from all over the world to enjoy the coffee harvesting festivals each year. The native Indians dress colorfully and the excitement begins as they start picking the coffee cherries. It is truly something amazing to experience, especially if you are a regular coffee drinker.

Some of the flowers you will see in this town are going to have you snapping photos every time you turn around. This has been called by many the land of flowers. The number of well maintained flower beds will have you in awe of their beauty and fragrances. A lot of species of birds are present as well due to the flowers and the seclusion of the natural settings. Hummingbirds in particular are attracted to some of the flowers.

The Vulcan Baru area is a large part of Boquete. It is right at the Baru Volcano. You can hike these areas and tale your time in enjoying the environment. Make sure to take the tour that will allow you to reach the very top of the volcano as well. You can imagine the views you will have while on this hike. Many people have begun to travel to this little town for these very reasons.

Are you ready to start making your travel plans for Boquete? You can do so by visiting online to some of the fine accommodations available for you to reserve. Located nearly right in town, the Valle Primavera is one of the loveliest places you could stay to be able to enjoy the festivities going on. You might also want to check into the rustic accommodations of the Finca Larida as well.

Think about kayaking on some of the rivers flowing through the lush green woodlands. Maybe you would like to go horseback riding to be able to enjoy this kind of natural setting. You are going to have plenty of things to do while you are visiting Boquete. Check online trip advisors for more than you might believe going on in this little town.

Meal times are great times while on vacation as well, especially when you are visiting another country that serves different cuisine than you normally eat. This is a time for diversity and intense flavors. The restaurants in Boquete that can offer you some of the finest panama dishes ever. Be sure to try Casado with a cup of brewed coffee.

Make your vacation destination traveling plans for Boquete online. It is fast and easy plus you will save money in doing so. Be ready to go straight to your lodgings when you arrive to prepare for the greatest adventure you have ever been on.

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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Bradford - Best places to be a pensioner

The Telegraph and Argus reports that Bradford is the 3rd cheapest place to retire in the UK, according to a new survey.

Editors Update: Check out our November review of the latest Telegraph list of the Top Cheapest Places to Retire in the world.

Bradford was narrowly beat by Cardiff, which is the cheapest city to retire in, followed by Hull which came in 2nd place.
Yorkshire is also noted as the cheapest county to retire in, three of its cities in the top five cheapest places are found in Yorkshire. Sheffield is 4th followed by Leeds in 5th place.
The research was done by retirement income specialists at MGM Advantage. The report also reveals London to be the most expensive city in the UK requiring an annual income of almost £35,000 compared to the national average of £26,000.
Bradford 'best' places to be a pensioner

Editors Note: Looking for the Cheapest Places to retire in America? Check out our new series (November 2011) where we explore the great nation of America from Coast to Coast looking for the best places to live and the cheapest states. 

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Poland - Fourth Best Place to Live

Here's an interesting one that's close to my heart and family. You see my dad was born in Poland. He would have been pleased to read this and to see this.

The Warsaw Business Journal announced today that Poland came in as the fourth Best Place to Live in Europe. It owes this ranking to: a low retirement age, long holidays and being one of the cheapest places to live in Europe with a low cost fo living.

Poland even finished ahead of Germany and England on the list. The list is the Quality of Life Index compiled by uSwitch. The article didn't really give any further details about who or what uSwitch is. But they did say that 16 factors were used to compare European Countries and determine rank order. Those factors included - net income; sales taxes; vacation allowance; working hours; life expectancy; costs of gas, diesel and electricity.

France came in top spot followed by Spain and Denmark in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Source: Poland 4th best place to live in Europe

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

High Quality Coffee Production Around Boquete, Panama

Guest Post By Tyler Ramos

Boquete, is located on the slopes of Baru Volcano, and it is one of the most recognized coffee growing areas in all of Panama. For more than a century, the area has been dedicated to producing some of Panama's best coffee and it is now becoming known on an international level for the high quality brews grown here.

In the past Panamanian coffee was overshadowed by neighbors such as Costa Rica and Colombia, but thanks to several international awards that were won by Panamanian coffee plantations, it is now getting the respect that it truly deserves. There are now several specialty coffees that are produced by the local plantations that have propelled the beans from Boquete to international esteem.

The climate in the region is excellent for growing coffee, with just the right measure of sun, shade and humidity. The soil is volcanic and highly fertile, which helps to produce a particularly rich flavored coffee bean.

For visitors who are interested in experiencing some of the world's best coffee as fresh as possible, there are coffee tours that you can do to sample the local brews at the site where they are grown, harvested and roasted. The tours also teach you about the history of coffee growing in the region and you can see coffee mills that are more than a century old.


Panamanian Rainforest Coffee Medium Roast, Universal Grind - 8 oz.

During the coffee tours that you can take at Boquete, you will learn about all different aspects of growing, harvesting, processing and selling the coffee. You will get to know more about how fair trade and organic production of the coffee works as well as getting hints on how to make the perfect cup of coffee yourself.

When the coffee is to be harvest, there are two different kinds of processing that can be done and both are performed in Boquete. The first is wet processing, where the beans are first washed and pulped. When this has happened, then they are dried out and the bean is extracted from the cherry. Only 20 per cent of the cherries is actual bean, so the cherry pickers work hard to pick between 100 and 200 pounds of coffee each day.

Alternatively you can find dry processing, which is done by laying the beans out on open air platforms to dry out. The beans have to be raked and rotated every few hours to ensure that they are evenly dried and that there is no build up of mildew. This process gives the beans a gorgeous earthy flavor, but it is more labor intensive and therefore more expensive.

When the processing is done, then the beans are chosen according to their size and quality. They are grouped together and then undergo a process known as cupping, where they are stored for up to six months and continually judged for readiness. When they are ready, the coffee beans are packaged and 90 per cent is now exported out of Panama to the waiting lips of coffee lovers worldwide.

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Monday, September 27, 2010

Channels Expanding On The Panama Canal

By Tyler Ramos

The Panama Canal is a ship canal which was built in order to join the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Naturally its construction had a significant and positive impact on maritime trade, which was the primary reason behind its construction. Now there is a new project being proposed by the Panama Canal Authority which would expand traffic capacity of the Panama Canal.

The project goes by the name of the Third Set of Locks Project. This name is related to one of its goals, which is to construct lock complexes at both the Atlantic and Pacific ends of the canal. These lock systems are aimed at resolving the water preservation issues which have come up in the past with the canal's continued use. The Panama Canal Authority also aims to not only construct additional access channels to the canal but widen those that already exist. These channels will all also had their depth increased when the project has finished.

The work of expanding the canal is classified as a mega project. This means its construction and completion could deeply impact both nearby communities as well as the environment. Not only that, but it is also expected to cost more than one billion US dollars. A great deal of public attention has been drawn to the project as a result of its scope.

The project has begun as of September 2007 and could be finished within the year 2015. There are and have been many voices in favor of its commencement. This a result of the many potential benefits that the canal expansion could offer. For one it is expected to pay for itself given time as well as provide a significant amount of return on investment for not only its investors but Panama as well.




Along with its profitability, the canal expansion project is expected to reduce poverty within Panama. This will be a result of the need for labor of all kinds being necessary in order to complete the project. Some have claimed that the reduction will be as high as 30%. Of course it is also believed that improving the channels and traffic capacity of the canal will bring in higher revenues from tolls.

The improved cargo capacity of the canal could also mean an increase in profits for those involved in maritime trade. This profit margin could very well affect the country again as well as more and larger cargo ships move through its waters. As mentioned before, however, this image of a parade of cargo ships has also spurred environmental concerns.

The Panama Canal Authority has performed studies regarding the environmental impact of its project and claims that no significant damage will be done environmentally. The area in which the work will be done is already owned by the organization and no major community upheaval is necessary for its work to be done. It also states that the lock systems being installed are intended to mitigate the environmental impacts of the increase in usage of the canal.

Again, it is projected that the canal expansion will be finished in 2015. It is the hope of many that this expansion's completion will mark a time of renewed prosperity in the country of Panama. It will certainly be seen in time whether or not this happens, and many will be watching closely in the meantime.

About the Author:

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Did you see this?

This is just too interesting not to share. It is the world's biggest train set which covers 1,150 square meters / 12,380 square feet and features almost six miles of track and is still not complete!



Two German Brothers have put this TRAIN SET together.


Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Cheap Houses

CBS News posted an article on their website today about the Cheapest Houses in the United States and some of the most expensive too.

The piece was about a new study done by Real Estate giant Coldwell-Banker.

C-B took 1,000's of listing from cities and towns nation wide and compared the prices of homes of the same size over a 7 month period. Here's what they discovered: The average price of a 4 bed - 2 bath house ranges from over $2,000,000 in the most expensive market to less than Seventy Thousand Dollars for cheap house in the most depressed markets.

The most expensive houses were found in Newport Beach California - for those who don't know that's the setting for the TV show 'The OC'. The Cheapest homes were found in the Detroit area were you can land the same size house for $68,000.

California had 6 out of 10 of the most expensive communities to purchase a home while Michigan garnered 3 of the top 10 spots for cheapest places to buy a house in the U.S. All 10 of the cheapest places to buy real estate were found in the midwest.

Overall the study revealed the average price across the nation for one of these houses was $353 thousand and about 30% of the market had similar houses under $200k.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Top Ten Cheapest Places to Live

According to a survey done this past spring the following list of Cities are the Top Ten Cheapest Places to Live in the World.

This study looked at cost of living throughout the world by creating a basket of common goods purchased by people including:

Booze (alcohol) - I don't know why but that always seems to come up on lists for the necessities of life!
Tobacco (that one really has me puzzled!)
Clothes (OK now we're getting real)
Foot wear (ditto!)
Domestic services (what the hell is that? I always think of maids and gardeners. Now if you're looking for the cheapest place to live are you really concerned about having a maid or a gardener?)
Food (As in groceries)
Food (As in dining out - restaurants, etc.)
Personal Care (As with the maid - if you're wanting to live cheap cut your own hair!)
Household Supplies
Sports & Leisure (Isn't this where the booze and smokes should be?)
Transportation
Utilities

OK, as I've pointed out these lists and what is ranked as important can get a little squirrelly but here's the result -

1. Asuncion, Paraguay
2. Quito Ecuador
3. Karachi, Pakistan
4. Johannesburg, South Africa
5. San Jose, Costa Rica
6. Buenos Aires, Argentina
7. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
8. Montevideo, Uruguay
9. Winston-Salem, U.S.A. (Really? You've got to be kidding? Must be the cheap smokes!)
10. Tunis, Tunisia

Friday, September 17, 2010

Buying Cheap Homes

We've all seen and heard the horror stories about the real estate market in Florida. The state that was once the retirement haven of the entire country where people dreamt about having enough retirement savings to move there has now become one of the cheapest places to buy real estate.

Recently the Sun Sentinel presents it's 'Tips on Buying Cheap Homes'. The article begins with the standard disclaimers of knowing exactly what you are doing and what you are getting yourself into when you chose to buy cheap homes. Of course that is particularly true when looking at foreclosures - the best and most popular place to find a cheap home.

Tip #1 - Keep you first buy simple and easy. Don't go for the major over haul - reno project. It could sink you. Start by looking for cheap homes that just need minor repairs, a coat of paint and a good clean up.

Tip#2 - Use your common sense. A deal which brings the cost of a home back to market value after renovations isn't a deal at all. David Dweck of the Boca Real Estate Investment Club suggests you look to keep your total investment to no more than sixty five percent of the market value. So, if the home has a market value of $100,000 after you clean it up than you don't want the total cost of purchase and renos to be more than $65,000.

Tip#3 - Always insist on a home inspection. Remember as you look at cheap homes for sale they are likely sold 'as is'. You need an inspection to know what is hiding and what you're really getting yourself into in terms of prepping it for market.

Tip#4 - Insure you are getting clear title to the property. This means being thorough in your title and lien search. You may need to pay a few outstanding bills but as long as that fits in the 65% total cost scenario your still making a good investment and buying cheap.

Some investors are looking at income properties so that can at a few more steps but essential the same tips apply when it comes to finding cheap rental homes and cheap vacation homes.

Click here for more tips on How to Buy Land Cheap


Source Sun Sentinel: Tips on buying cheap homes

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Best Places to Retire

When it comes to living cheap retirees are the first ones to ask, 'Where are the Best Places to Retire?'


Retirement Living brings with it a whole new set of feelings and concerns. I don't mean to make light of the issue or to say that those who are middle aged are stingy or cheap. It's simply a reality. People live a lot longer these days and many who are looking at retirement are worried they will out live their savings. Even though many people think this is a new phenomenon due to the down turn in the economy the fact is living cheaply has been top of the mind for retirees since the since good old Otto von Bismarck first introduced the concept of the old age pension back in 1889. Everyone who retires wants to stretch their dollars as far as they can because the really don't know how long they will be around and the certainly know there is no more cash coming in.




Some people think the only way to stretch those dollars and enjoy a quality of life in retirement is to search out the best places to retire overseas. As the internet changes our society into one which is more globally inclined and less worried about patriotism this option can make a lot of sense. It still amazes me how many people stay within a few miles of where they were born and yet they complain about politics, the weather, taxes and more. Why not move? Many countries overseas saw big changes in their economies long before the still young U.S. experienced their downturn. In fact the new world was created out of just such downturns and strife many years ago. We could think about European countries as they've been there and done that. The cost of living in many foreign countries overseas and abroad along with lower taxes, great benefit programs and lovely weather can be a huge pull for those looking considering the best places to retire abroad.


So, where is the best place to retire? Well as with most questions that seem simple but are really very complex the answer is, 'It depends.' Yes, it's true it does depend on a lot of things. When Americans ask that question they are probably really thinking, where is the best city to live in USA? Ask a Canadian or European that same question and their minds inevitably reach beyond the borders of their home country to more exotic lands.


International Living has been asking this same question for a number of years and their retirement index of the best places to retire in the world is a constantly changing traget. For example their top five best places to retire in the world 2010 list names these countries:


#1 Ecuador
#2 Panama
#3 Mexico
#4 France
#5 Italy


add in these communities and you've got the Top 10 Best Places to retire.


I wonder what next year will bring? Maybe Retire Belize or Ecuador will make the list.


The International Living Retirement Index by the way ranks the top 25. You can learn more about I.L. and their retirement research here - International Living Magazine.

Cheapest Places to Live in Canada - Toronto & Montreal NOT!

Yesterday the National/Financial Post's Eric Lam revealed that Toronto and Montreal are a couple of the most expensive cities to live in. Not just in Canada but the world!

Cheapest Place to Live in Canada - Not!


He wrote about a USB study which was released yesterday noting that these Canadian Cities are even more expensive than London or Dubai. Interesting that he or the study never mentioned Vancouver or Victoria which are often assumed to be very expensive to liv in.
So, if you're searching for the cheapest places to live than you may want to avoid cities on this list of the most expensive:

1. Oslo
2. Zurich
3. Geneva

These cities took top spots as the most costly cities to live in.

4. Tokyo
5. Copenhagen
6. New York
7. Stockholm

Although he doesn't state it specifically by inference Toronto and Montreal come in at 8th and 9th while London is the 10th most expensive city to live in.


Bucharest, Manila and Mumbai.

One wild card here was that Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was also in the five cheapest cities to live in.


Read about it here Toronto, Montreal among most expensive cities

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Cheapest Places to Buy a House in Canada

I was skimming the MoneySense area of Canadian Business Online and came across an interesting little article about the Best Places to Live in Canada.

Of course I wanted to see the criteria as they looked at over 150 communities in Canada. One of the things they looked at which helps to ge an idea of where the Cheapest Places to Live in Canada may be was the list of house prices and specifically their list of the cheapest houses in Canada. here's what they said:

Cheapest place to buy a house in Canada - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia at just over $100K for the average home price. The list of the top five cheapest places or lowest average house prices in Canada looked like this:
#1 Cape Breton, Nova Scotia $101,034
#2 Portage la Prairie. Manitoba $102,367
#3 Dolbeau-Mistassini, Quebec $103,280
#4 La Tuque, Quebec $103,830
#5 Saguenay, Quebec $148,761

It's interesting to see that the province of Quebec holds three of the top spots for Cheapest Places to buy a house in Canada.





Saturday, September 11, 2010

Las Tablas Panama For Peace And Quiet

Guest post By Tyler Ramos

If you like the idea of vacationing somewhere quiet yet heavenly, visit Panama. There is no good reason the general tourist public has ignored towns like Las Tablas on the Azuero Peninsula, but they have. Make the most of quiet beaches and inexpensive touring while you still can. The hotel chains will be here before long.

Visitors will notice an old-fashioned atmosphere about the place. Locals travel by horseback in many instances, wearing traditional hand-embroidered clothes which local artisans make. The Los Santos Province culture is largely agrarian and the town acts as a business centre Nuario Mountain is close as well.

Other towns to try include Chitre and Los Santos. They demonstrate a more intense mix of urbanity and old-fashioned influences, with more cars for example. A short flight takes you to Pedasi for fishing tours.

The sea is focal to Panama tourism. Wind surfing and fishing are just two popular sports. Catch amberjack, grouper, yellow fin tuna and more. Naturalists know Isla Cana for its turtle population and the chance to see some hatching during a well-timed visit. Take a boat trip to Isla Iguana to go snorkeling, diving or bird-watching. Book a nature tour or organize one for yourself.

Las Tablas hosts a spring carnival. If you come at the wrong time for their event, there could be another one happening in the region soon. Though colorful and fun, these are also busy times when hotel rooms are scarce and more expensive than otherwise. Other cultural attractions include ornate cathedrals featuring stained glass windows. Also stop by Museo Herrera for a glimpse of pre-Colombian artifacts.

Panama City is a few hours away by car, but visitors do not need a huge city centre to find life. Las Tablas features all of the amenities visitors of every age could need. There are supermarkets, gaming, bars and discos, plus places to plug in your computer for internet connection charged at an hourly rate. Considered a safe country, hospitals are close. This should reassure even the most worried parent.

Finding a hotel is not hard, but they are often small affairs with just a few rooms. This being said, they are also comfortable and inexpensive. Pasada Del Mar provides beachfront bed and breakfast accommodation ten miles from town and just five rooms. Rooms at Hotel La Luna, also on Playa Uverito, provide air conditioning (critical during the hot weather for those unaccustomed) TV, pool and internet. Staff will happily give tourism advice.

City hotels are another option. They situate visitors close to all modern conveniences, including shops with internet access charged per hour. Night life with music and gaming is also available. Do your souvenir shopping, eat local food or check out a place that serves a familiar and comforting dish: pizza.

About the Author:

Panama For Vacation Anytime

Guest post By Antonio Khatemi

Panama, the nation that links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, benefits from record tourism. Panama offers its visitors uncultivated beaches, national parks, mountains, shopping, various terrains plus art at matchless prices.

Ask anybody what they've learned about Panama and almost all will mention the famous Panama Canal. Other people may recall Noriega, the former dictator who later regained notoriety for his exile to France.

A noteworthy part of Panama's history occurred while it was "under the Yankee boot". The Yankee boot refers to the 85 years (1914-1999) that the United States controlled the Panama Canal. U.S. occupation left many legacies like the dollarized market, units of measurement (gallons, pounds, etc), use of certain words (a vehicle is parked or something is priti - English pretty) and American vehicles.

The contemporary city of Panama is known as the City of Skyscrapers due to the numerous towers that climb the sky and vie in height and structure. What is striking is that the construction boom exploded only in recent years as a combination of a package of tax benefits bringing internationals and the fact that prior to 1999 the city wasn't allowed to be developed in particular areas. At present, even Donald Trump has put money into multi-million dollar real estate developments in Panama, including a building with a 62-story hotel and marina, much like the Burj Al-Arab, Dubai.

Balboa Avenue, which runs along to the Pacific Ocean, the new Costa del Este (with land reclaimed from the ocean or the Avenue Spain, the capital's financial hub, are the picture of Panama in its new modern and sophisticated era. Panama is also proud to be a matchless shopping mecca.

The remnants of Panama's pre-Columbian and colonial history are sheltered in the old part of town and reveal its historic side. The Spanish landed in Panama in the 1500s. They founded many cities, one of which was Portobelo. Portobelo housed treasures of the Spanish crown until it was sacked by pirates in 1671. In the present day all that is left are the remains of the city's cathedral, homes the clergy lived in and a few massive historical ruins, known as Panama La Vieja. It is located in the midst of thick tropical vegetation outside of Panama City.

Fortunately, the old city's great altar, which was covered in gold, was rescued from the violence of pirates and brought to what is currently Casco Viejo - 'the Old City', where the modern city was rebuilt. There, the narrow cobblestone streets, colonial building fronts and wrought iron balconies reside with clothes hanging from windows, neighbors listening to loud reggaeton, improvised hair salons in the center of a Kuna Indian village beside Kuna Indians selling their colorful textiles (the molas, considered one of the most sophisticated handicrafts in Latin America).


The government recently began rebuilding the neighborhood, starting with buildings in the vicinity of the park and the Palace of the Herons, a presidential home. The former convent, once falling apart, has now been transformed into lofts and the old military facilities have been turned into stores and eateries. Old homes are now home to Panamas boutique hotels.


Some suggest that Panama may become the new Costa Rica, with mega-hotels and resorts dominating areas on the Pacific. However, the difference is that in Panama there are actually still indigenous regions such as Kuna Yala, Embera and Ngobe-Bugle. These are semi-autonomous places where large-scale building projects are strictly forbidden.

These territories are significant since before the Spanish, the Canal, the Americans, Noriega or the skyscrapers ever came to Panama, the natives claimed this place full of fish, trees and butterflies as their home.

But there is so much more to Panama. Over and above the bits of prominent history or the enormous tourist potential of the interoceanic channel, the nation was formerly a Spanish colony, a Colombian state, and an American protectorate with a vastly rich heritage.

Panama is now committed to strengthening its own character. And in part, this means being certain that this individuality is evident in every one of its points of interest, from shores on both sides to the plains, wetlands, mountain forests, historical monuments and shopping centers. And according to the Ministry of Tourism, it appears that this approach isn't affecting the country's tourism business at all. More than 1,000,000 travelers experience Panama every year.

Panama can't help but recognize the amazing tourist prospects it possesses as an interoceanic passage. But there is so much more. The nation also possesses a rich history. It was previously a Spanish colony, a Colombian state, and an American protectorate. Despite its amazing success as a tourist destination, Panama is now dedicated to rebuilding its own personality. In part, this means being certain that this personality, and the history that helped build it, is evident in every one of its attractions, from shores on both coasts to the plains, marshland, mountain forests, historical monuments and shopping malls. According to the Panama Ministry of Tourism, the approach is not harming the country's tourism industry in the least. More than a million travelers experience Panama each year.

While acknowledging the enormous tourist prospects of the interoceanic passage, the country that was once a Spanish colony, a Colombian province, and an American protectorate is now dedicated to strengthening its own identity. And in part, this means ensuring that this character is portrayed in all its points of interest, from the shores on both coasts to the plains, wetlands, mountains, forests, historical monuments and shopping areas. According to Panama's Ministry of Tourism, this approach isn't hurting the country's tourism industry at all. More than a million tourists experience Panama every year.

About the Author:

Friday, September 10, 2010

Learn The Stunning Scenery And Wildlife With Panama Tourist Attractions

Guest Post By Tyler Ramos

When you are looking for a vacation destination that offers the extremes in beauty, friendliness and adventure, then considering Panama tourist attractions and the country itself will be an important step in your planning. This country has fabulous weather, beautiful scenery, and the people are hospital and friendly.

The world class restaurants, clubs, and dancing that are located throughout Panama City are a great way to spend an exciting holiday for people who enjoy the metropolitan fun and excitement of the city. There are fabulous shopping opportunities and fantastic theatre and museums.

The Parque Metropolitano will treat you to several hundred acres of beautiful park land surrounding the ruins of a historic Spanish town. There are stunning wildlife from both South and Central American to be seen while you are hiking, backpacking or horseback riding through the countryside. Spending the day hiking through the countryside is a great experience and will give a photographer many opportunities to get photos of wildlife, flora and fauna that is not seen in other parts of the world.

If you enjoy fishing and hiking through the mountains and along the crystal clear mountain streams, then a visit to Boquete National Park will be a must. Take a guided tour through the mountain side or hide to one of the beautiful springs that are a great way to end a hike.

For a holiday at the ocean staying at one of the beautiful beachside resorts at Bocas del Toro will be an exciting vacation to remember. There is fabulous ocean and beach activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and fishing. Or, you might want to spend your days languishing on the beautiful beach.

One of the many oceanside national parks is Bastimentos National Park. This is one of the few parks in the world where a person can enjoy both the beautiful white sand and a swim with the docile manatee. The manatee are often referred to as the mermaid of the ocean because it is thought that they saved drowning sailors after shipwrecks. This beautiful, gentle creatures give added memories to the person who wants to spend the day enjoying swimming and snorkeling.


Another wonderful place to spend time will be the Soberania Park. You can step into the historic past of Panama and walk along the same road that was build when the Spanish first arrived in Panama. The Las Cruces trail was used to carry goods to Panama City and gives hikers an opportunity to see the beautiful interior of the country and parts of the Panama Canal.

One of the most attractive things about visiting Panama is the people. When visiting this fabulous country, you will find that the friendly and warm people are always available to help you if you need to find an event, attraction, restaurant or location. The warmth and hospitality that you will find is unlike any found in the world and will make you want to return to the country often.

About the Author:

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Stationary Bike from Bike Club Info

Shopping for a Stationary Bike


Multi National Business Setting Up In Panama

Guest Article by By Tyler Ramos

The Panamanian economy has been expanding exponentially in recent years: and the government has reported rates of approximately 8.5 per cent growth per annum. With such strong economic expansion going on, it is no accident that there are more and more multinational and transnational companies that are shifting there and opening up offices in Panama and trade in the country.

One of the things that has been attracting international investors to the country is that the banking system there is strong and has not suffered any of the collapses that have been seen in some other Latin countries in the recent past as well as in North America and European countries too.

The canal is also under construction with massive expansions taking place and increasing the need for supplies and personnel and expertise from companies around the world. With the expansions also comes the increased ability for the canal to meet higher traffic demands. This expansion project is even bigger than the original canal project, which gives you an idea of the scale of the current project.

The government of the country has been working hard to remove barriers to entry into the markets there and allow businesses to set up and operate more easily than they have in the past. The government has also been working to reduce corruption in the country, which crippled the economy in the past. There are mechanisms being put into place that make the government much more efficient.

A further point to take into account when looking at why investment in the country is booming is that behind Hong Kong it is the largest free trade zone in the world. It also has the largest merchant navy and fleet internationally. There are also plans afoot to build five international airports in the country to facilitate the current demand and all for more flights to land and take off all the time.

On top of the infrastructure and benefits that are put into place by the government, there are other things that can attract people to the country. Some of these things are the geographic location, which is effectively a hub between North and South America and Central America and the Caribbean. As well as this it is not an earthquake danger area and it does not have hurricanes or other natural disasters that are countries in similar regions are prone to.

The economy is increasing drastically and there is more investment than ever before. There are so many compelling reasons for multinationals to be based in the country and lots of companies are only now beginning to understand the benefits to doing business there.

The economy has been growing at an impressive rate thanks to the work of the national government to take full advantage of the natural benefits the country has and the position that it can place itself on an international scale. With more and more multinational companies choosing to open up in Panama, it is likely that we will see the economy continue to grow well into the future.

About the Author:

Friday, September 3, 2010

The Cheapest Places to Visit in Europe

If you live in the UK you'll appreciate this information. I was reading a blog by Donna Ferguson and she has done some excellent research regarding the cheapest places to visit this summer. Donna is based in the UK so the post is targeted towards those Brits looking at their usual holiday destinations but with that said it really doesn't matter wear you live in the world. If you're thinking of a visit to Europe this data will certainly be helpful and save you some money. At the very least it will aid in your travel plans and give you some ideas on where the cheapest places to stay are.

It looks like Portugal and Spain are the real hot spots for holiday this summer as prices are way down on everything from accommodations to food. Of course a lot of this has been influenced by the declining value of the Euro compared to the British pound. Ferguson notes that prices are down 41% in Portugal over last year and 39% in Spain. Conversely traveling from the UK on pounds would cost 35% more compared to last year. That translated into a pretty poor tourist season for the U.S. at least when it comes to visitors from England.









Check it out! - The cheapest holiday destinations

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Newfoundland remains one of the Cheapest Places to Live in Canada

“If we compare to other markets in Canada, Newfoundland remains one of the most affordable housing markets in the country,” said Chris Janes, the Senior Market Analyst with the CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Janes also said the province is one of the Cheapest Places to Live in Canada despite both employment and income being on the rise.

The average price of a house in Corner Brook, which is certainly one of the cheapest cities to live in, has increased to $187,000 which is a bit of a jump from $162k last year but is still well below average house prices in the rest of the country especially Ontario and British Columbia. Just two years ago houses were just $130,000 here.


Read the Western Star article - Housing costs have gone up, but still affordable